Riley H NDE

Experience Description

I Died and Met God

It was supposed to be an ordinary day at the lake. No partying, no reckless stunts—just me, the sun, two friends, and the water.

It was about 7 p.m. We were making one last ride before calling it a day. We had already fallen off the jet ski earlier and were getting back on when, as we sat down and got ready to go, the machine slipped forward and shot out from underneath me while I stood still.

I didn’t hit anything. There wasn’t a crash. But the force of the water pressure as it struck me tore through my body internally.

It gutted me. That’s the only way I know how to explain it. I was torn open from the inside out, and as I looked around, I could see blood surrounding me in the water. I realized: My insides were coming out.

They got me back on the jet ski and headed to shore.

Everything that was supposed to be inside me was coming out. And I saw it.

By the grace of God, we made it to shore. Someone had already called for help after hearing my screams. They laid me down on a picnic table, bleeding, broken, and slipping away.

But that’s when the next trauma began.

My lungs wouldn’t expand. Water had filled my abdomen and created pressure around my chest. I couldn’t breathe. My body couldn’t breathe. The little oxygen I had in that moment was all I could get in and out of my lungs. I started to suffocate.

And I knew—I was dying.

But here’s the strangest part: I didn’t feel fear.

As I watched people around me panic, a heavy calm settled over me. Everything got quiet. It was like time slowed down just for me. I looked around, fully aware, and began to make peace with what was coming.

Then the ambulance arrived. They lifted me in. And the moment those doors shut behind me—I died.

---

The Moment My Spirit Left

I left my body. I could see it, but I was no longer attached to it. There was no pain, no panic—just complete awareness.

And then something unexpected happened: I had a life review.

Every single person I had ever loved appeared before me. I remembered what they smelled like, what they sounded like. Faces from my childhood, loved ones I had forgotten, people who had passed years ago.

Every soul that left a mark on mine came flooding back.

As I began to ascend, I wasn’t flying through clouds. I was rising in understanding.

I saw the impact of my death. I was being shown how it would break the hearts of the people I loved. At the same time, I started receiving knowledge—things I had never studied, truths I never asked for (and some I did). So much wisdom was downloaded into me as the veil was lifting.

And then… I arrived somewhere.

---

A Glimpse of Heaven

It was the most beautiful peace I’ve ever known—not just emotionally, but physically, visually, spiritually. The colors, the calm, the overwhelming presence of love… It was Heaven, or at least part of it.

Then… a light appeared.

It started as what looked like the most breathtaking sunset I’d ever seen. But as it got closer, I saw it wasn’t just a sunset—there was a silhouette of a man.

A man made of light, love, peace, power, truth. But not just any man. It was God.

I knew it instantly. He didn’t have to say His name. He was the name. His presence said everything.

And then… He spoke.

But not out loud. He didn’t need to. He spoke straight into me—into my spirit.

*“Love is a choice. I am Love. And that life back there… was about Me. And you didn’t choose Me. You missed the boat.”*

That moment wrecked me.

I panicked. I wept. I repented with everything in me.

I felt regret—deep, gut-wrenching, eternal regret. And even then… He was merciful.

Then He said:

*“You’ve impacted enough of My people… So I’ll let you go back. But you must stay awake. If you don’t—the cards will lay where they lay.”*

And just before I left, He gave me one last truth:

*“You’ll never be able to be perfect.”*

---

Back in My Body

And then, just like that—I was back.

In the ambulance. In the pain. In the fight.

I would go on to suffer through five hours of agony with no pain meds, no sedation, no answers. Just me, bleeding out and holding on.

But I lived.

Not because I was lucky. Not because I was strong. But because God sent me back.

To live intentionally. To point people toward Him. To remind the world that this isn’t it.

Death is not the end. It’s the most loving transition we’ll ever experience—if we know Him.

---

I don’t tell this story because it’s dramatic. I tell it because it’s real.

I met God. And He’s not an idea. He’s not just a “higher power.” He is real. He is love. And He’s waiting.

I was dead. And now I’m alive.

Not just in body—but in spirit.

And I’ll never be the same again.

=================================

Dear Riley,

Thank you for sharing your remarkable near-death experience with NDERF! Your account will be posted anonymously on our website within the next several days and included in the Registry of Exceptional Experiences. What you have shared will serve as a source of inspiration for a wide audience.

I do have several follow-up questions, which you are under no obligation to answer. In your account, you mentioned the following:

Survey question: ‘During your experience, did you encounter any other specific information / awareness that you have not shared in other questions that is relevant to living our earthly lives?’ “Yes I don’t know where to begin there was a lot.”

Also in what you shared “In that realm, I suddenly understood things I had never even questioned before. It wasn’t like gaining new information it was like remembering something ancient and sacred. I had an awareness of purpose, creation, eternity, love, pain, and the weight of every soul. I knew why certain things happened in my life. I understood the connection between people, events, and spiritual truth in a way that words can’t explain. It was as if the veil had been pulled back, and I was seeing the architecture of existence through God’s eyes.”

Any additional details you could provide on both of these questions would be appreciated!

THANKS again for sharing your remarkable NDE!

Best regards, Jeffrey

Jeffrey Long, MD

Founder, NDERF

===============================

One of the most moving things I saw was how everything in Heaven lives in full harmony and purpose. Animals, flowers, colors, even the air it all worships. Everything is alive with meaning, and everything is for God.

The animals weren’t just present they were worshiping. In equal harmony with people and nature. It reminded me a bit of Earth, but fuller, richer, and more alive. Heaven wasn’t still or passive. It was vibrant and filled with motion, purpose, and deep joy. Every soul, every sound, every creation existed in perfect unity.

And still, there were elements that felt familiar. It wasn’t foreign it felt like home, I knew I’d been there, just unfiltered and fully awakened.

The gates of Heaven stretched endlessly. They were unlike anything I’ve ever seen, gold, pearl, iridescent light, and gemstones that don’t even exist here. The colors

contained hues beyond this realm and don’t exist here. I heard sounds and instruments that I’d never heard before, all harmonizing in praise.

Lastly, God downloaded me with this truth: when we don’t go to Heaven, we’re still shown it. He shows every soul what was waiting. And because of that, eternity apart from Him comes with the weight of regret. I can only regret what I know was real. And everyone is shown the truth, regardless of where I am going or end up.

========================================

I’ve shared a very brief version of my experience on YouTube, which I hope might offer additional clarity:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk7Ma_O8lM0oId66KQluPu_RphGMN2Xul

That being said, even that version doesn’t come close to capturing the depth of what I was shown.

In that realm, I didn’t just gain insight, it was as if I was downloaded with layers of spiritual understanding. I saw how my life and death would impact those I love. I saw how my father was headed toward unhealthy coping, how my sister and brother would be spiritually lost and carry deep grief. God allowed me to witness how my absence would affect others’ eternity and it was then I understood that the way we die isn’t random. It’s strategic. It’s love. Our death becomes a message that God uses to reach those we leave behind.

I was also shown that who surrounds you at the time of death matters. If you’re around non-believers, your departure may become part of their awakening, which can be painful, but still purposeful. It’s why being surrounded by fellow believers, especially in our final moments, holds such weight.

I was shown glimpses of the past and future. I saw spiritual truth about Jesus’ reign on Earth, and a prophetic vision of what the world will look like in the absence of God during the end times. I felt that truth in my bones. It wasn’t information, rather it was and ancient, sacred, and familiar remembrance.

God also revealed the structure of Heaven: people working, living with joy, purpose, and community, without pain or the limitations of time. I saw that spiritual gifts we’re given here are used and fulfilled in eternity. Pets were there. Relationships remained intact, magnified by purity and eternal connection. Our love languages, joys, and identities weren’t erased they were glorified. Everything good here is just a dim reflection of what’s waiting there.

Generational spirituality was made clear to me. We inherit more than we understand both blessings and spiritual weights. Our ancestors matter. Our choices ripple. And healing those lineages matters deeply in the unseen world.

I don’t know if there’s any perfect way to articulate the architecture of what I saw, but I know this: it’s all deeply connected, and so much more meaningful than we realize in this life.

Thank you again for giving people like me a platform to speak truth into the unknown. I’m honored to be part of something bigger.

Background Information:

Gender: Female

Date of NDE: 07/01/2011

NDE Elements:

At the time of your experience, was there an associated life-threatening event? Uncertain
I was in a jet ski accident that left me with life-threatening injuries. My heart stopped, and I flatlined. Whether it was medically classified as death or not—I know I left my body. I was no longer here.

How do you consider the content of your experience? Both pleasant AND distressing

Did you feel separated from your body? I clearly left my body and existed outside it
Yes I could hear myself even though I was no longer inside my body. It’s hard to explain, but even as I was rising away, I could hear my physical body crying and gasping. It was like I existed in two places at once. I had full awareness that my earthly self was struggling, while my spirit was calm and watching it unfold. I didn’t learn this from someone elseI knew it as it was happening. That awareness was later confirmed when medical staff explained how close I came to death and how long I had been unresponsive.

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness? The moment I left my body and saw myself in the ambulance. From that point forward..through the life review, the ascension, and my encounter with Jesus..I was more alert, aware, and conscious than I have ever been in my life. It was like waking up for the first time.
It was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t just see and hear, smell. I knew. I had full awareness of people I hadn’t thought of in years, I understood spiritual truths I’d never studied, and I felt the emotional weight of choices and love in ways that defy logic. My senses weren’t dulled they were elevated. It wasn’t like dreaming. It was more real than this life. It felt like I had been half-asleep my whole life… and only then was I finally awake.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness? More consciousness and alertness than normal

Were your thoughts speeded up? Incredibly fast

Did time seem to speed up or slow down? Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning
Time didn’t exist in the way we experience it here. There was no past, present, or future. I experienced everything..my entire life, everyone I loved, deep truths, and the presence of God all in the same eternal moment. It was as if time folded into love, and I was simply present in all of it at once. There was no rush, no waiting, no clocks, just total awareness.

Were your senses more vivid than usual? Incredibly more vivid

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience My vision during the experience was heightened beyond anything earthly. It wasn’t just 'sight'..it was knowing. I could see people I hadn’t seen in years, down to the smallest detail. I didn’t just recognize faces, I remembered smells, sounds, and even emotional energy. The colors and light I saw during the heavenly part of the experience were indescribable. It was like seeing for the first timewith both eyes and soul.

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience I didn’t hear with ears. I heard with understanding. God didn’t speak aloud..His words came into my spirit with clarity and authority. It was more intimate and powerful than any sound I’ve ever experienced. I also heard the sounds of my past, the voices of people I loved clearly, even those who had passed long ago. It was like every voice carried meaning that went beyond words.

Did you seem to be aware of things going on elsewhere? Yes, and the facts have been checked out

Did you pass into or through a tunnel? Yes
It was a tunnel with light

Did you see any beings in your experience? I sensed their presence

Did you encounter or become aware of any deceased beings? Yes
Yes. During my life review, I became vividly aware of people I had loved throughout my life, including those who had passed away. I remembered people I hadn’t thought about in decades some since I was a baby. I saw grandparents, childhood friends, and even people I didn’t realize had impacted me as deeply as they had. I could remember their faces, voices, and even how they made me feel. I didn’t just see them I felt them. Their presence reminded me of every love I’d ever known.

Did you see or feel surrounded by a brilliant light? A light clearly of mystical or other-worldly origin

Did you see an unearthly light? Yes
I don’t know how to explain

Did you seem to enter another world? A clearly mystical or unearthly realm
Yes. It felt like I crossed into a place that was more real than Earth. I was surrounded by peace, light, beauty, and a sense of stillness that was absolutely divine. It wasn’t just a 'place'—it was an atmosphere of complete wholeness. The light around me pulsed with meaning, the colors were unlike anything I’ve ever seen here, and the love in that place wasn’t just felt it was alive. I didn’t walk through it. I became part of it. It felt like stepping into the original home I forgot I came from.

What emotions did you feel during the experience? Awe. Peace. Stillness. Regret. Overwhelming love. Conviction. Reverence. I felt a peace that made no sense especially in the middle of dying. When I saw Jesus, I felt complete and total love but also sorrow and regret for not choosing Him fully in my earthly life. I repented with my whole heart. I felt deeply known, fully seen, and undeservedly loved. It was emotional in the most sacred way.

Did you have a feeling of peace or pleasantness? Incredible peace or pleasantness

Did you have a feeling of joy? Incredible joy

Did you feel a sense of harmony or unity with the universe? I felt united or one with the world

Did you suddenly understand everything? Everything about the universe
Yes. In that realm, I suddenly understood things I had never even questioned before. It wasn’t like gaining new information it was like remembering something ancient and sacred. I had an awareness of purpose, creation, eternity, love, pain, and the weight of every soul. I knew why certain things happened in my life. I understood the connection between people, events, and spiritual truth in a way that words can’t explain. It was as if the veil had been pulled back, and I was seeing the architecture of existence through God’s eyes.

Did scenes from your past come back? I remembered many past events
Yes. I relived moments from my life during the life review some joyful, some forgotten—but all were shown to me in full emotional clarity. It wasn’t like watching a movie. It was like re-experiencing them with full understanding of how those moments shaped me and others. The way I made people feel, the love I gave or withheld it all mattered. Every single moment carried eternal weight.

Did scenes from the future come? I was shown what the world will look like without God in it.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure? Yes
Yes. When I encountered the Light—God—I felt I had reached a divine threshold. He didn’t block me, but I knew I couldn’t go further without permission. The space beyond Him was more radiant and eternal than anything I can describe, but I wasn’t allowed to enter it. It was clear: if I crossed that line, I wouldn’t be returning to Earth. That moment was filled with love, but it was also heavy with the reality.

Did you come to a border or point of no return? I came to a barrier that I was not permitted to cross; or was sent back against my will
Yes. When I stood in the presence of God, I knew I was at a turning point. I didn’t want to return but when he said I 'missed the boat' I knew I didn’t want to go where he wasn’t and so when He told me I had impacted enough of His people that He would let me go back. I was relived. He said, 'You must stay awake. But if you don’t, the cards will lay where they lay.' That moment wasn’t just a return to life it was a commission. He also told me something that broke every illusion of striving: 'You’ll never be able to be perfect.' It wasn’t guilt that sent me back. It was grace. And the call to live differently.

God, Spiritual and Religion:

What was your religion prior to your experience? Unaffiliated- Nothing in particular- Religious unaffiliated
I was confused and undecided, zero relationship with religion

Have your religious practices changed? Yes
I am a believer and follower fully and whole heartedly.

What is your religion now? Christian- Other Christian
Big God Girl now

Did your experience include features consistent with your earthly beliefs? Content that was both consistent and not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your experience
To be honest, I don’t know what I believed. I just know I had no relationship with God. I never spoke to him.

Did you have a change in your values and beliefs because of your experience? Yes
I got saved as soon as I got out the hospital ( Months later)

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice? I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin
Yes he spoke into my spirit

Did you encounter or become aware of any beings who previously lived on earth who are described by name in religions (for example: Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, etc.)? Yes
Grandparents

During your experience, did you gain information about premortal existence? Yes
I exsisted before earth

During your experience, did you gain information about universal connection or oneness? Yes
Heaven is real

During your experience, did you gain information about the existence of God? Yes
God is real and Jesus is our savior

Concerning our Earthly lives other than Religion:

During your experience, did you gain special knowledge or information about your purpose? Yes
He revealed a lot when he lifted the veil

During your experience, did you gain information about the meaning of life? Yes
It’s a testing

During your experience, did you gain information about an afterlife? Yes
I definitely was shown a glimpse of what awaits us

Did you gain information about how to live our lives? Yes
I don’t know where to begin there was a lot.

During your experience, did you gain information about life's difficulties, challenges and hardships? Yes
Things are hard and heavy as apart of the test

During your experience, did you gain information about love? Yes
It’s very important

What life changes occurred in your life after your experience? Large changes in my life
Everything changed. Before my near-death experience, Idk what I believed to but I didn’t choose God. I thought I had time. I thought I had control. But after seeing God and hearing Him say, 'You didn’t choose Me,' I realized how much of my life I’d spent focused on myself. Since coming back, my faith is no longer a concept—it’s my foundation. I live differently. I speak differently. I see people differently. I don’t fear death. I know what’s waiting. And now my mission is help others. I’m not perfect, I stayed silent for YEARS. But I’m telling now and I walk with purpose, knowing I was sent back for a reason. My spiritual life is not just important to me it’s everything.

Have your relationships changed specifically because of your experience? Yes
So much more meaningful

After the NDE:

Was the experience difficult to express in words? Yes
There aren’t words that exist to truly explain my encounter

How accurately do you remember the experience in comparison to other life events that occurred around the time of the experience? I remember the experience more accurately than other life events that occurred around the time of the experience
That is more real to me than me living today

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience? Yes
Yes. Since my experience, I’ve had an increased spiritual sensitivity. I sometimes see things in people—pain, burdens, even glimpses of who they are beyond the surface. I also have vivid dreams that often carry meaning or insight, sometimes even before things happen. I wouldn’t describe it as psychicI describe it as being more awake to the spiritual realm. I don’t seek it out; it’s just there. I feel more in tune with God’s voice and more aware of people’s emotional and spiritual states.

Are there one or several parts of your experience that are especially meaningful or significant to you? The most meaningful part was when God said, 'Love is a choice. I am Love. And you didn’t choose Me.' That shattered me in the most honest, loving way. I realized I had lived like He was optional. That moment changed everything for me.

Have you ever shared this experience with others? Yes
It took me 7 years to talk about it but I am sharing nown

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience? No

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened? Experience was definitely real
I knew immediately

What do you believe about the reality of your experience now? Experience was definitely real
It’s more real than I am here living now.

Did the questions asked and information that you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience? Yes
Yes—but only on a surface level

Anything else to add? Yes. God showed me that when we die, we’re not really 'there.' I could still hear what was happening on Earth, but I wasn’t in my body—I was with Him. I realized our death is not just a moment of ending… it’s a final act of love. He uses the way we leave this world to reach the people still in it. Whether it’s the ones holding our hand, calling our name, or the paramedics fighting to save us God uses our passing to pull hearts toward Him. Even death is part of His rescue mission.